Wow Dick Gordon

MILAOR, Camarines Sur—Thirty-nine year-old Maritess Maderal had long been waiting for that one chance to again embrace the man who brought her to his home, took care of her for several months and treated her as his own child after she lost her mother and two siblings in a sea tragedy when she was just 14.

The opportunity came 25 years later: Last Saturday night, Maderal introduced her youngest daughter Joan to Senator Richard Gordon.

Speaking in Filipino as her tears welled up, Maderal told Gordon: “Thank you very much.”

Maderal is one of the 42 survivors from the sinking of the MV Asuncion in December 1985 off Zambales. Gordon then was the mayor of Olongapo City.

Gordon brought her and another girl to his home, until Maderal’s father Jose, who also survived the accident, fetched her from Gordon’s house several months later.

That was the last time they saw each other. Maderal was still in sixth grade then.

She now has four children, the eldest of whom—17-year-old Joemel—already finished high school but could not get into college because of poverty.

Gordon went to Camarines Sur on Saturday for several activities, including the opening of a public health center put up by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Spanish Red Cross in a remote coastal barangay in Lagonoy.

He was scheduled to immediately proceed in the evening to a gathering of regional businessmen in this city, but a local coordinator managed to convince him to drop in at the Milaor Elementary School, where PRC volunteers were holding livelihood training for some 200 mothers.

Gordon never expected he would see Maderal there.

“What a miracle!” Gordon exclaimed after seeing Maderal. “You were still very young when I last saw you!”

Maderal lived just 10 minutes away from the school. When she learned that Gordon would be gracing the training, she went to the school with her youngest daughter and other relatives, hoping that this time, after several attempts of catching him on the few occasions he reached Naga City, she would be able to at least say hello.

Maderal broke into tears as Gordon embraced her, happy that her long wait was finally over.

Maderal was with her parents and three siblings when the MV Asuncion sank off Zambales coast in December 1985. They had come from Palawan, where they stayed for a year, and were planning to finally relocate to Metro Manila.

The tragedy ended their dream: Maderal’s mother Editha, her eldest brother Daniel and youngest sister Maricel were killed.

Maderal drifted on the sea for almost a day until she was rescued and brought to a hospital in Olongapo City. It was where Gordon found her.

Gordon decided to bring her and another girl, Lilibeth Acar, to his family’s house. Acar lost her family while Maderal, at that time, was still clueless where her parents were and if they were still alive.

It turned out that Acar and Maderal were neighbors in Palawan. Finding refuge in Gordon’s home, they grew closer and even became friends with Gordon’s wife and children.

Maderal said: “They were very kind. They treated us like their own family.”

Gordon wanted to adopt her, but after eight months, her father Jose arrived to fetch her. Gordon brought them to a bus station and never saw them again—until last Saturday.

Gordon said: “This is among the blessings I get in life, that these people survived.”

Maderal also asked Gordon about her friend Acar.

Acar, whom Gordon proceeded to adopt, stayed in Gordon’s house. The senator sent her to school and she now works as a physical therapist.

Maderal finished high school and got married when she turned 20. She now has four children while her husband Meliton Jacob earns as a construction worker.

Maderal said: “I would always tell my children about him and how he saved me everytime I saw him on TV.”

Gordon gave her his phone numbers with a promise to find a way to help her children go to school and to reconnect her with Lilibeth.

Maderal could not ascertain if she would get another chance to again meet the famous man who once brought her, an ordinary girl, into his home and treated her like his own child.

The one thing she is sure of: Gordon is getting her vote.

By Edson C. Tandoc Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:46:00 03/14/2010

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100314-258655/Woman-sheltered-by-Gordon-after-sea-tragedy-sees-her-hero-again

For the latest news on the campaign trail and other related information log onto www.gordonbayani.com.

URDANETA CITY—Sen. Richard Gordon Monday said he had promised Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad he would help his children get an education if he was killed.

Gordon, who was campaigning in Pangasinan province, talked to Parad by phone last year to seek the release of three Red Cross workers then held by the bandits.

Gordon said he warned Parad that if he beheaded the hostages, it would only be a matter of time before the military caught—and killed—him.

He said he told Parad: “I’m sure you’ll be killed [if you behead the hostages]. But I promise you, I’ll try to make sure your children get an education so they will not go through what you have gone through.”

Gordon believed his remarks helped convince Parad to free the hostages.

The Inquirer asked Gordon if he would still fulfill his promise. He initially declined to answer, saying critics could misinterpret his motive. Pressed for an answer, Gordon said: “I will do it.”

He said he did not want to appear “soft” in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf, adding he would not tolerate those who break the law.

Gordon said he believed education could be the key to solving the problems in Mindanao and that he had sent to school other rescued kidnap victims before.

Gordon, who is running for president, is also the Philippine National Red Cross national chair.

He blamed poverty and lack of government support and job opportunities for driving people like Parad to join the Abu Sayyaf.

“Obviously, people who live like that will hold the knife by the blade, not by the heel,” he said.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar said the government hoped to have more successes in the war against terrorism “even as we continue to repair the social divisions and provide social services needed for us to achieve genuine peace.” With reports from Christine O. Avendaño and Associated Press

(TAKEN FROM: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100223-254791/Gordon-to-fulfill-his-promise-to-send-Parads-kids-to-school)

James Leonard T. Gordon
Father of Olongapo
A Man for Others
1917-1967

James Leonard Tagle Gordon was Mayor of Olongapo City from December 30, 1963 to February 20, 1967. He was born on January 17, 1917 of an American father, John Jacob Gordon, and a Filipina mother, Veronica Tagle Gordon.

He could have chosen to take American Citizenship and live in the United States like his four brothers where he could enjoy the comforts in a well developed country. Instead, he chose to stay in the Philippines as a Filipino Citizen. He raised his children as Filipino Citizens and brought them up according to Filipino values.

This is not surprising considering that he inherited the genes of a revolutionary hero, Jose Tagle. One of the three children of Tagle was Veronica who married John Jacob Gordon. Jose Tagle was known for his exploits in leading a raiding team against friars and Civil Guards in Imus, then against a strong Spanish force in Bacoor, Cavite. He was victorious in both instance and won the high regard if Aguilnaldo. In recognition of his leadership Aguinaldo appointed Tagle Municipal Mayor of Imus.

Inherited Traits.
This distinguished ancestry gave James Gordon the strong character that he, in turn, left to his progeny and to the people of Olongapo as lasting legacy. His private life and public career all bore the earmarks of decisiveness, of willingness to fight corruption against seemingly insurmountable odds.

James Gordon was a self- made man. He did not depend on anybody but largely went through life on his own efforts, a trait that is part of his American heritage. Being the only child left behind with his aging father, who was interned during the war, he took care of the old gentleman until his death in 1954. In doing this, he followed closely the Filipino tradition of close family ties and of caring for the elderly members. As a true Filipino he kept in close touch with his children even when they were away in school in Manila. He always wanted his children to excel in whatever they tried, be it a very lowly task.

Civic Consciousness.
His family orientedness showed in his successful attempts to put up an institution that would take care of orphans and abandoned children. Together with his friends, he put up Boys Town- Girls Home which still exists to this day, caring for around 70 wards.. Jimmy Gordon’s widow Amelia J. Gordon continues this tradition of caring by keeping under her care children from very poor families.

In the field of civic work James Gordon led in the forming of groups that worked on community projects. He was one of the organizers of the Olongapo Civic Action Group that worked on beautification projects and in general improvement of the city. He was one of the founders of the Olongapo Rotary Club, which has given rise to four other Rotary Clubs at present. He was also one of the founders of the Olongapo Knights of Columbus- and was selected the second Grand Knight. He organized the Olongapo Businessmen’s Association which then, as now, played a significant part in community life.

Military Rule.
During Gordon’s time Olongapo was in a strange situation. The rest of the Philippines had been declared independent of the United States on July 4, 1946. Olongapo, however, remained under U.S. Government jurisdiction. It had been declared a U.S. Naval Reservation soon after the U.S. and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris. As such it was administered by a U.S. Navy officer. In other words, instead of having a Filipino Mayor, Olongapo had as its governing authority an American military official. Residents had to follow strict rules like: always having an ID Card issued by the Reservation office; home lots could not be owned, these could be taken back any time the US Navy needed the area; relatives from out of town can stay only for a few days and had to renew their passes if their stay is extended; only families with working members could stay in the Reservation. These strictly followed rules made the residents angry. But they became angrier when bus passengers going in and out of the Naval Reservation were made to get off the bus for strict searches of their belongings.

Turnover of Olongapo to Philippine Government.
Jimmy Gordon led the move to make Olongapo free from U.S. rule. He was well respected by US Navy officials and had many friends among the Americans but he could not stomach the military regulations that limited the movements of people in Olongapo. Jose Balein of the Manila Chronicle interviewed him and in a series of articles from July 3 to 7,. 1955 he exposed the abuses and harassments suffered by Olongapo residents under US military rule

The Zambales officials supported Gordon in this fight to be free of military restrictions. As Vice Governor of Zambales he was in a position to speak for people living in Zambales town north of Olongapo who worked in US Navy installations. Buses carrying passengers from Zambales towns passed through Olongapo and underwent the annoying searches. The concerted resistance to military rule could not be ignored by the U.S. Navy authorities. Talks were initiated to formalize the turnover of Olongapo to the Philippine Government. The American panel was made up of officials from the US Embassy headed by Minister Abbot and officers from the U.S. Navy. The Philippine panel was headed by Pacifico Castro of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Vice Governor Gordon was a member. The US Government was thus compelled to relinquish Olongapo to the Philippine Government after the RP-US panel met several times to discuss the conditions. Olongapo was turned over to the Philippine Government on December 7, 1959. On the same day President Carlos P. Garcia signed the Executive Order making Olongapo a municipality of Zambales.

Post Turnover Trouble.
After the turnover, the Zambales politicians moved in. they succeeded in placing their own men in sensitive positions in the new municipality because they worked to have officials appointed instead of elected. Gordon had no stomach for the corruption and he resigned from the post of Deputy Governor. He saw how Olongapo was marginalized. The government hospital was reduced in category; its equipment was carted off to Zambales. Illegal logging and cigarette smuggling were rampant. Land problems proliferated. The new officials tried to lease out the electrical utility for only P5,000.00 a month. Heavy equipment like bulldozers which had been acquired from the US Navy could not be accounted for.

Political Turncoatism.
The political disease of turncoatism was very evident. Party hopping politicians were motivated by the advantage that they could get from the party, not by the principles that the party stood for. The first few years of the new municipality saw this in evidence with the change of party of the Zambales Governor and the Congressman. Politics at its devious worst was the order of the day.

Prodded to run for Municipal Mayor during its first election four years after the turnover, James Gordon, though a reluctant candidate, won and was finally at the helm of his town on December 30, 1963.

Relentless fight against corruption.
If Gordon fought American rule for the military excesses, now he fought well entrenched politicians for widespread corruption. He contracted the services of a lawyer using his own money and won the case (albeit posthumously) that he filed to return the electrical system to the Olongapo Government. He exposed the anomalies that bedeviled the new municipal government. Understandably, his crusade earned for him enemies who tried all manner of harassment, including threats of suspension, hand grenade attacks and planned ambushes.

A City is born.
The situation deteriorated to the extent that Gordon, together with Olongapo residents, struggled hard to be free of the provincial government. He lobbied in Congress for the passage of a bill to convert the municipality into a City. Amidst strong opposition from the provincial government but to the triumphant rejoicing of the people of Olongapo, RA 4645, the Charter of the City of Olongapo, was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos on June 1, 1966. In simple but impressive ceremonies Olongapo City was inaugurated on September 1 of the same year.

New city status failed to damper the avidity of Gordon’s enemies who continued to plan his extermination.

A Light is Extinguished.
There were three attempts on his life: On July 4, 1965, he was lured out of his house by a false report on a fire. On the way back home a grenade was thrown at his car. He survived this first attempt. On August 4 of the same year several prisoners were allowed to escape from the municipal jail of Subic, Zambales. Again, a fire was made as a ruse to make Gordon appear. Three grenades were thrown at the crowd, wounding one US Navy officer who was with the team that helped to control the blaze. Again, James Gordon survived the attempt. The third try was again linked to a fire. The Gordon residence in Quezon City mysteriously burned down on All Saints’ Day. The family later learned that an ambush had been prepared at the Zig-Zag pass although he went through this third attempt unscathed.

On February 20, 1967, while talking with a constituent on the first floor of City Hall, he was gunned down by Nonito Alincastre, an scaped inmate of the National Penitentiary. He was immediately brought to the USS Repose, a US Navy hospital ship, but he could not be saved because of his massive head injuries.

His funeral was the longest Olongapo ever saw. Senators, Congressmen, Ambassadors, joined the grieving Olongapo public in the funeral cortege. His death brought inconsolable loss to his grieving family. Son Richard rued the fact that his father died before he could prove himself equal to the challenge of service that was constantly dinned in his consciousness both by his father’s word as well as by example. Thence began his promise to himself that he would make something of himself to make his father proud of him.

It was a loss felt nationwide. Senator Jose W. Diokno’s tribute to him resonates in every Olongapeno’s heart: “He was born to an American father, chose to be a Filipino, raised his children as Filipinos, served his country

By MIKE FRIALDE (The Philippine Star) Updated February 23, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Bagumbayan presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon says he is more than ready and willing to face Sen. Manuel Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party, in a public debate.

Speaking to reporters in Taytay, Rizal, where he attended the Hamaka Festival last Saturday, Gordon said Villar has a lot of explaining to do regarding the controversies now hounding him.

“Si Villar ay panay kabig, walang tulak (Villar just takes, he never gives).If he is really sincere in helping the poor, he should have built more houses for them,” he said.

“I want to debate with Villar, even in Quiapo,” Gordon added.

Gordon said so far, presidential candidates have only been attending discussions sponsored by various groups and there has been no one-on-one debate among them yet.

However, Gordon said such forums should be sustained as they give voters the opportunity to be informed not only on the background and platform of candidates, but also on issues confronting them.

Gordon told reporters he bolted from the Nacionalista Party because he does not want to be associated with Villar.

After visiting Taytay, Gordon went through towns in Pangasinan last Sunday.

From Pangasinan, Gordon was scheduled to embark on a five-day campaign through Bataan, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

Official observers were reminded to ensure transparency of the public bidding for an automated election system by Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today to guarantee the success of the May 2010 automated presidential elections.

Gordon, author of Republic Act 9369 (RA 9369), made the call as the Commission on Elections Special Bids and Awards Committee (Comelec-SBAC) started the opening of bids for the automation.

“At first glance, the Comelec’s bidding process appears to be transparent and organized. The official observers are given copies of the documents submitted, which can be seen through a projector by members of the media and other stakeholders observing the proceedings,” he said.

“However, the Comelec has yet to choose the winning bidder. And until it does, we must not let our guard down if we want to ensure that the automation pushes through successfully and the preparations proceed according to the poll body’s timetable,” he added.

The official observers were the Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Office of the Ombudsman, United States Embassy, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Consortium on Electoral Reforms, Procurement Watch, Inc. and the Transparency and Accountability Network.

The poll body is preparing for the full automation of the 2010 elections mandated by RA 9369 or the Amended Automated Elections Systems Law, which was pilot-tested in the Aug. 2008 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

A week before the ARMM elections, Gordon personally went to Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan to talk with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee.

He went to there to convince the MILF that the ARMM election should not be postponed because there is a larger interest to be considered, that is the full automation of the 2010 elections.

During the election, the senator visited voting centers in Shari Aguak in Maguindanao, in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Shariff Kabunsuan and canvassing Centers in Cotabato City, also in Shariff Kabunsuan, to observe and ensure the successful conduct of the automated elections.

The opening of bids, originally set for April 27, was held on May 4 at the Comelec head office in Intramuros, Manila. Seven out of ten bidders, who paid P1 million for the Terms of Reference (TOR), tendered their bid for the poll automation project. The SBAC opened the first bid, which was that of Avante International Technology, Inc. The committee went over the documents that the group submitted. It checked the documents one-by-one, to determine if the consortium complied with all documentary requirements.

However, the group was later disqualified for failing to submit the last two pages of its proposed contract and certificate of acceptance. Gordon underscored anew that a credible election system will restore people’s trust and confidence not only in the country’s electoral process, but also in the government.

“This will be a lasting legacy for future generations. A fully automated elections will lead us to the reality of our dream of having credible leaders voted through a credible system of election,” he said.

“The Comelec will greatly benefit from the poll automation because once the election is fully automated, the poll body would regain its credibility as an independent poll body and it can have its hand on other election-related matters, apart from electoral protests,” he added.

The establishment of disaster preparedness and mitigation measures to enhance the survival capability of the country against all types of disasters was reiterated by Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), made the call as the latest typhoon, “Dante”, to hit the country left at least 23 people dead and 10,137 families displaced in the Bicol Region, particularly in Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

“We have to end the cycle of disaster damage. We already know that every year an average of 20 typhoons hit the country and yet we still lack the necessary preparations to lessen or avert damages brought by these typhoons,” he said.

“These disasters usually result in loss of life, human suffering, loss of income, and property loss and damage. Measures designed towards disaster preparedness and mitigation and emergency services are, therefore, necessary,” he added.

Gordon, one of the authors of Senate Bill 3086, an Act strengthening Philippine disaster risk management capability, stressed the importance of crafting disaster preparedness and mitigation measures so that not only the government, but also the public know what to do in times of calamities.

According to the latest forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) another tropical storm, which would be given the local name “Emong”, might soon enter the Philippine area of responsibility.

“If we have readied disaster mitigation measures we can easily organize local officials, volunteers and the public, especially those in typhoon-prone areas, to be prepared so that when disasters come, they can already help themselves and their neighbors because they know what to do,” Gordon said.

The PNRC, under Gordon’s leadership, has formed the Red Cross 143. It is a program that seeks to form a group of 44 volunteers in every barangay. They will serve as the eyes, ears, hands and feet of the Red Cross in every community.

The duties of the members of the Red Cross 143 include: (1) Predict possible threats, natural calamities or armed conflicts, in the community; (2) Plan what to do in times of disasters; (3) Prepare the community for what it would need, such as food, water, medicines, first aid kit, among others; (4) Practice or conduct first aid trainings and emergency evacuation drills; (5) Report instantly to the Red Cross pertinent information about the disaster; and (6) Respond immediately to those in need.

The PNRC continuously upgrades and acquires its equipment, including ambulances, fire trucks and rubber boats, to respond quickly to more victims of disasters and calamities.

During its the 62nd anniversary last April 15, the PNRC distributed new Emergency Response Units, including 32 ambulances, 10 fire trucks and four motorcycle ambulances to its local chapters across the country.

A national movement composed of more than 30,000 volunteers was officially launched today (April 27) at the historic Manila Hotel on the occasion of the 488th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan, the nation’s first victory against the colonial invaders.

Leon B. Herrera, president of the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines Movement, said Bagumbayan’s grand launching was timed on the anniversary of the Battle of Mactan because Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero, is one of the movement’s inspirations.

“Lapu-Lapu courageously defended his community against the colonial invaders. Like Lapu-Lapu, Bagumbayan volunteers seek to defend our country from corruption, immorality and transactional politics so that we can have a New Philippines, a Bagumbayan,” he said.

About 2,000 delegates who paid for their own way from all walks of life and every corner of the country including overseas Filipinos flocked to the movement’s grand launching and national convention that raised P17 Million through individual contributions and which was graced by Independent Senator Richard Gordon, the keynote speaker.

In his speech, a teary-eyed Gordon said there is a need to abandon the “transactional politics” of the country’s “corrupt leaders.”
“Change ourselves first, before we change our leaders,” he said.

The senator was joined by other guest speakers, to wit: world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr., CNN Hero nominee Efren Penaflorida, Journey band lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, and Chikka.com founder Dennis Mendiola.

They were chosen for being ordinary people who went on to do extraordinary things.

“Nonito, Efren, Arnel and Dennis are ordinary people who made a difference in their lives and the lives of others. We have many of them in our midst, and we will surely see several of them as volunteers of a new Philippines, our Bagumbayan,” Herrera said.

“Senator Gordon has been one of Bagumbayan’s inspirations. With his impressive track record in bringing about positive changes wherever he went, Gordon’s forward-thinking ideas tie in with our aspirations,” Herrera added.

Bagumbayan is a movement of individuals united by a common vision for the nation, inspired by the courage and bravery of Lapu-Lapu and the ideals and wisdom of Jose Rizal, and empowered by the spirit of volunteerism.

“We in the Bagumbayan movement seek to break the walls in our minds and depart from a transactional society. We work for genuine transformation in our country through the collective efforts of the society anchored on the strength of volunteerism,” Herrera said.
The Bagumbayan Movement started as a volunteer group whose members served in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which Gordon chaired in the 1990s.

The emergence of a movement that intends to field Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio and Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca as its presidential and vice presidential bets in the May 2010 elections was welcomed today by Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon.

Gordon said although the next election is still several months away, it is good that the Filipino people have begun to organize and initiate the process of scrutinizing the qualifications of those who wish to seek the highest political position of the land.

“The race is still far and wide open, the situation incredibly fluid. It is good that we are taking a closer assessment of our present leaders whom we believe can ably steer our nation towards peace and progress,” he said.

“The emergence of a movement is a clear indication of a widespread disaffection towards our major political parties and now, our people are taking upon their hands the fate of our nation by scouting for best leaders they wish to elect,” he added.

A movement composed of private organizations and individuals is reportedly planning to field Panlilio and Padaca as its presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively, in the May 2010 elections.

Both Panlilio and Padaca reportedly expressed openness to the idea, but were not categorical that they would vigorously seek the respective offices.

Gordon however said the Filipino electorate should not be swayed by mere popularity or financial edge of the candidates, but rather by the proven track record of competence, unsullied integrity and reliability in choosing for the next leaders.

“The people should choose a leader that has the right qualifications, an unsullied track record of performance, a national vision, and someone who is least tainted by corruption or by the influence of the powerful,” he said.

According to him, the Filipino voters have become smarter as they now look on the track record of the candidates and see what they have consistently done in their communities that made a difference in the lives of ordinary people that they serve.

“Our country needs a leader and not just a political figure. We need a leader who knows not only what the country needs, but also what should be prioritized among those needs and how each necessity should be addressed,” he said.